Substance abusers will occasionally be allowed to use other types of medication to wean themselves off of the medication that they are presently addicted to. With the aid of a doctor, this can be a much easier way to get off of a drug rather than going cold turkey. These substances are usually prescription drugs that should be administered in a monitored environment such as a rehab center. To be effective, these medications cannot be addictive physically. The patient may have to wean themselves off of the new substance towards the end of their treatment.
Methadone Reduces Heroin Withdrawals
The most commonly used medication for substance abusers in recovery is methadone. Methadone is a very common medication that is administered to those that are addicted to heroin or other opioids. When taken in the correct doses, methadone has a very similar affect to heroin but does not have the same level of chemical dependency. This does not mean, however, that the medical is not dangerous. There are about 5,000 overdoses on methadone every year, according to the CDC. This means the drug needs to be taken with caution and under supervision.
Subutex and Suboxone for Opioid Addiction
Suboxone and Subutex are buprenorphine and naloxone blends that are approved for the treatment of addiction to opioids. These medications are administered in tablets and are said to be able to block withdrawal symptoms before they occur, according to the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration. Again, however, these medications should always be taken in a controlled environment.
Acamprosate, Zofran and Topamax for Alcoholism
Those who wish to stop drinking may want to consider one of these three pharmaceuticals, which have been shown in studies to reduce the compulsion to drink through a variety of mechanisms. Acomprosate and Zofran have been shown to lower a drinker's urge to consume alcoholic beverages through case studies and research papers, according to Psych Central, while Topamax is still being studied but appears to have a limiting affect on the consumption of alcohol overall.
Methadone Reduces Heroin Withdrawals
The most commonly used medication for substance abusers in recovery is methadone. Methadone is a very common medication that is administered to those that are addicted to heroin or other opioids. When taken in the correct doses, methadone has a very similar affect to heroin but does not have the same level of chemical dependency. This does not mean, however, that the medical is not dangerous. There are about 5,000 overdoses on methadone every year, according to the CDC. This means the drug needs to be taken with caution and under supervision.
Subutex and Suboxone for Opioid Addiction
Suboxone and Subutex are buprenorphine and naloxone blends that are approved for the treatment of addiction to opioids. These medications are administered in tablets and are said to be able to block withdrawal symptoms before they occur, according to the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration. Again, however, these medications should always be taken in a controlled environment.
Acamprosate, Zofran and Topamax for Alcoholism
Those who wish to stop drinking may want to consider one of these three pharmaceuticals, which have been shown in studies to reduce the compulsion to drink through a variety of mechanisms. Acomprosate and Zofran have been shown to lower a drinker's urge to consume alcoholic beverages through case studies and research papers, according to Psych Central, while Topamax is still being studied but appears to have a limiting affect on the consumption of alcohol overall.
